Spinal decompression is one alternative to back surgery, and an option that many health plans do cover. Most doctors try noninvasive options before turning to surgery. Back surgeries have a high rate of failure and lengthy recovery time and surgery comes with inherent risks. It makes sense to consider all options before turning to surgery.

Chiropractic spinal decompression treatment involves gently stretching the entire spinal column, using traction. Some other automated processes are also used at times. The goal is to relieve back and leg pain. This procedure is also called nonsurgical decompression therapy as it does not involve any use of surgery.

Chiropractors, like physiotherapists and osteopaths recommend similar spinal decompression devices. Traction or decompression is applied with a similar goal and with the same basic principles. These treatments aim to provide a healing environment for herniated, bulging or degenerating discs.

They are not risks that occur suddenly and be monitored carefully. There is insufficient evidence and no documented data that supports that spinal decompression therapy is more effective, or as effective, than less expensive and manual methods involved in treating lower back pain or injured herniated discs.